If you are a fun person with an outgoing personality and willingness to work with other people your own age as well as talented baseball players from all over the country, we want you to join our team! Consider interning with the Westerners for the upcoming season. Interns are expected to be available from mid/late May to early August, and be at the ballpark by 5:00PM for home games.

Please submit a cover letter expressing which position(s) you are interested in, your resume, and at least two references to Paul Schaffer at paul@danburywesterners.com. In order to be considered, you must have local housing and transportation. All of our internships are unpaid positions, but may be eligible for college credit.

All interns are expected to assist in the Westerners summer fundraising efforts, including the annual Celebrity Breakfast and Charity Golf Tournament.

Game Day OperationsLead
This is the most demanding position offered by the Westerners. This individual will be responsible for preparing the game day script for each home game, which involves recognition of the game’s sponsor(s) and honored guests. Before each home game this individual coordinates the proofing and production of game-day program. For home game, this person ensures that pre-game festivities are properly choreographed, between inning contests are organized and executed flawlessly, and issues are timely addressed. This person must have strong organizational and communication skills, be flexible and energetic. This person will work closely with the President, the Chief Operations Officer and the Game Day Field Operations team.

In the Press BoxPublic Address Announcer
The ultimate goal of the Public Address Announcer is to make the fans feel welcome in a professional setting. At home games, integrate the public address scripts by understanding the flow of the game, timing of music, raffles, on-field contests, etc. Develop an excellent knowledge of the players and coaches for both the Westerners and the opposition- including correct pronunciation of all player’s, coach’s and umpire’s names and for players, their university, hometown, etc., as well as the Westerners’ team sponsors. Give fans facility locations: restrooms, merchandise, food concessions, etc. Help prepare public address scripts plus develop and prepare player and pregame announcements. Recite public service announcements in scripts, acknowledgement of sponsors, 50-50 raffle, and other raffle prizes- coordinate a system for the announcement of raffle winners plus communication with the on-field between inning activities with the Entertainment interns. Be synchronized with the on-field Entertainment Coordinators- requires flexibility and ability to react quickly to unforeseen issues.

In order to complete duties, the individual must possess strong oral communication skills and be dependable and prepared- this includes bringing the game-day script to each home game. The Public Address Announcer needs to conduct himself professionally, given his high visibility throughout the game. The individual must read the home game-day scripts and will be asked for input throughout the season. The Public Address Announcer must read and sign the NECBL’s “Rules of Contact” prior to the start of the season.

Internet Broadcaster
Broadcast the team’s games over the internet. At home games, integrate the public address scripts into your presentation by understanding the flow of the game, timing of music, raffles, on-field contests, etc. Develop an excellent knowledge of the players and coaches for both the Westerners and the opposition- including correct pronunciation of all player’s, coach’s and umpire’s names and for players, their university, hometown, etc., as well as the Westerners’ team sponsors. During broadcast (including pre-game) acknowledge player achievements, player of the week selections, all-star selections. Assist with public address scripts including internet commercials and musical interludes between innings. Work with opposing team’s broadcaster. For away games, travel with the team and perform play-by-play and color commentary as required, working closely with the opposing team’s broadcaster(s). For all NECBL games the home team announcer does play-by-play in innings 1-3 and 7-9, and does color commentary during innings 4-6.

In order to complete duties, the individual must have his own laptop, possess strong communication skills (oral and written), and be dependable and prepared. The individual will be required to meet and conduct interviews with team personnel throughout the season, including coaches, players and Danbury Westerners board members. Mandatory training (prior to commencement of season) with external vendor to ensure he/she understands the interrelationship between the video equipment, related software and internet broadcaster’s laptop is required. The individual must read the home game-day scripts and will be asked for input throughout the season. In addition, the Broadcaster should obtain, understand and utilize current and historical statistics to augment his broadcast as needed. The Broadcaster must read and sign the NECBL’s “Rules of Contact” prior to the start of the season.

Official Scorekeeper/Statistician
The Official Scorekeeper records starting line-ups (including umpires), and keep the official score of each home game, including recording all player substitutions. Track all pitches and plays. Use prudent judgment as required. Record attendance and transmit results immediately after the game ends. In addition, the Official Scorekeeper must ensure starting pitcher for next game is identified before submitting results.

The Official Scorekeeper must take mandatory training before season commences; this involves special training with software used by the NECBL (Pointstreak).

In order to complete duties, the individual must own a laptop and have an excellent understanding of the rules of baseball, strong organizational skills, and be dependable and prepared. As noted above, the individual will be required to have strong PC skills and understand the software used to properly score all home games.

Scoreboard Operator
The Scoreboard Operator’s primary duty is to update the scoreboard immediately after each pitch, ensuring the proper recording of the pitch count, runs and outs. In addition, the Scoreboard Operator will be consulted on judgment plays as required by the team’s Official Scorekeeper. The Scoreboard Operator will also serve as back-up to the Official Scorekeeper (refer to Official Scorekeeper duties).

In order to complete duties, the individual must have an excellent understanding of the rules of baseball and good focus. He/she must be dependable and prepared. In addition, the Scoreboard Operator will need the same attributes as the Official Scorekeeper in order to fulfill these duties when required.

Audio/Video Operations Director
All Danbury Westerners baseball games are streamed over the internet. Responsibilities include organization within the press box to ensure all video feeds are in place at least one hour before first pitch, so that there is live video streaming at home games. Operate cameras efficiently. Coordinate activities with the Internet Broadcaster, the Public Address Announcer and TRZ, our audio/video streaming system. Dismantle connections after each game.

In addition, the individual will be responsible for all audio played before and during the ballgame. Requirements include ensuring that audio system is properly tested before each game, with proper placement of equipment and appropriate level of sound for Public Address announcer and music. Music is to be played at an appropriate volume level. Download music, including the National Anthem (to be played if not performed live), Danbury Westerners theme song, God Bless America, Take Me Out to the Ball Game and more. In addition, download appropriate clips for each player’s walk-up songs, ensuring it is appropriate for broadcast. Coordinate with Public Address announcer so as not to play music loudly while announcements are being made. Dismantle connections after each game.

In order to complete duties, the individual must have strong technical skills to manage the audio/video equipment in the press box. The individual must be organized, prepared and concentrate on his/her duties throughout the game.

Videographer
Video tape for the live streaming at games and edit all games. Run cameras efficiently using switching control person as the engineer. Coordinate activities with the broadcaster and the public address announcer. Coordinate with the internet broadcaster, the public address announcer and TRZ, our audio /video streaming people.

On the Field and Behind the ScenesJournalist
Write and edit game recaps, press releases, and feature news articles. The individual’s primary duty is to attend each home and away game, and immediately after the conclusion of the ballgame, the Journalist is responsible to write a comprehensive recap for timely publication on both the team and the league (NECBL) websites. For away games the individual will be expected to accompany the team on its bus. At times game day story will also be sent to other local media for publication (print and on-line).

In order to complete duties, the individual must have strong communication skills (oral and written), dependable and prepared. The individual will be required to meet and conduct interviews with team personnel throughout the season, including coaches, players and Danbury Westerners board members. The individual should obtain, understand and utilize current and historical statistics to augment articles as needed.

Other duties include the writing of press releases and coverage of special events (e.g., the team’s annual “Celebrity Breakfast”), and work with the Social media Coordinator to provide updates about the team through outlets such as Twitter and Facebook.

In addition, if time permits the individual will be requested to assist the organization in the spring through the writing of press releases as ballplayer signings are announced, and provide/ edit content for the team’s yearbook.

Sports Director
The Sports Director will work closely with the General Manager and Manager to assist in their duties. Responsibilities include ensuring the roster is complete and accurate on both NECBL and Westerners’ website, gathering statistics for each player, and communicating such to the Press Box interns.

The Sports Director will have primary responsibility for the Game Day Program. This requires knowledge of Adobe In-Design or Microsoft Publisher, and involves importing data from www.necbl.com (i.e., rosters, schedule, previous night scores, standings) and incorporating information about the current day honorees (i.e., sponsors, not-for-profit honoree, etc.). A player profile can be added, space permitting.

In addition, at the beginning of the season the Sports Director will update and disseminate a meal schedule by contacting each NECBL team and determine the meal options the Westerners have when on the road, and meal options the Westerners will provide to our opponents. Once updated, the Sports Director will coordinate this process for all home games. Moreover, this individual will coordinate team-wide communications, such as postponements, to all relevant parties.

During all home games the Sports Director will be responsible for liaising with Major League Baseball scouts, NECBL officers and representatives from the opposing team, providing them with the current roster and answering any questions regarding the team. The Sports Director must be aware of each Westerners player’s statistics during the season.

The Sports Director will keep tabs of transactions in other summer leagues (especially the Cape Cod League) to determine available players if needed, and will be asked to do general research on players who may be available, and reaching out to their coaches for more information.

The Sports Director may also travel with the team on away games, knowing who the probable starter for the opponent is and his stats at school as well as in the NECBL.

In order to complete duties, the individual must have strong communication skills (oral and written), be dependable and prepared. The individual must be organized, and will be required to meet with team personnel throughout the season, including coaches, players and Danbury Westerners board members.

Entertainment Coordinator(s)
This highly visible position is essential in playing a major role for the game production. Specifically, the On-Field Entertainment Coordinators are responsible to develop and staff on-field promotions, contests, entertainment, and mascot appearances.

Before the first pitch is thrown, the On-Field Entertainment Coordinator will work with Game Day Operations to coordinate pre-game activities, specifically.
i. Introduction of honored charity- greet them, explain the pre-game activities, allow few remarks, take pictures, etc. [Note: need to contact the scheduled sponsored charity and financial sponsor at least two weeks prior to their game night.]
ii. Escort National Anthem singer (performer should arrive no later than 6:00), ensuring wireless microphone is functioning
iii. Introduce local youth baseball team running out onto field (when appropriate)
iv. First Pitch- make sure recipients have a baseball, a team representative is available to catch the pitch, and exchange for team-autographed ball after pitch is thrown
v. For Birthday Parties- make experience truly memorable for youngster by meeting parents, ensuring ample supply of drinks and sundries, distributing t-shirts, and collecting net amount due to the Westerners.

During the game the On-Field Entertainment Coordinator will select random fans to participate in between-innings contests. The On-Field Entertainment Coordinator will help create and implement memorable contests. He/she will be responsible for the evening’s 50/50 raffle, including getting ballplayers to participate.

In order to complete duties, the individual must be energetic and work well with people of all ages. He/she will be highly visible throughout the game, and must look and act professionally at all times. He/she will be interacting with many individuals during the game, including the Team Photographer and the Public Address Announcer. Creativity is encouraged, as are good communication skills. In addition, the On-Field Entertainment Coordinator should be a “quick-thinker” and be prepared to deal with unusual situations like rain delays.

Merchandise Director
The Director of Merchandise will be responsible for the professional display of the team’s merchandise, and sell merchandise at games. Specifically, this involves showcasing the Westerners memorabilia neatly, and closing down the stand at end of game, with merchandise properly organized (i.e., same t-shirt sizes grouped together). In addition, this individual must keep track of all merchandise sold, and interact with customers. Each night cash received must be reconciled to merchandise sold. The Director of Merchandise will perform weekly inventories of merchandise, submitting reports to President and Treasurer.

In order to complete duties, the individual must be organized, dependable and prepared. Good communication skills are a prerequisite, as this individual will have frequent interfacing with many individuals and groups throughout the game.

Social Media Coordinator
The Social Media Coordinator will be responsible for providing updates of upcoming events (including player appearances and promotion of home and away baseball games), through social media channels, notably Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Tumblr. Using these social media outlets throughout the game to provide timely updates is of most importance.

The Social Media Coordinator will help organize player appearances at local schools, libraries and other venues, working closely with one of the Westerners’ coaches, team photographer and the appropriate contact to ensure proper coordination of schedules. He/she will also work closely with the team’s Vice President of Baseball Operations to ensure events are timely posted through e-mail blasts and posting on the team’s website, with appropriate content.

In order to complete duties, the individual must have strong organizational skills, and be dependable and prepared. A strong knowledge of social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) is required. Excellent and professional communication skills are a prerequisite, as this individual will have frequent interfacing with many individuals and groups.

“Westy”
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to entertain families without anyone knowing your identity? If you are energetic and creative the opportunity to be Westy, the official mascot of the Danbury Westerners, is for you!

Responsibilities include greeting fans before and during the game, greeting special guests (including any birthday party honorees), posing for pictures and signing autographs. Participate in between-inning contests (e.g., kid vs. Westy race around the bases).

In addition, besides entertaining fans at our home games, Westy makes numerous appearances at elementary schools, libraries, restaurants and other community events.

In order to complete duties, the mascot performer must have a suitable personality. The performer must get along well with people of all ages, but be especially good with children. Accordingly, he or she must be gentle and patient in manner. In addition, the performer’s act must endear the mascot to fans by providing them with a lasting positive impression. This requires the performer to develop routines that leave the fans wanting more.

Webmaster
The Webmaster will update website throughout season as well as off-season for recognition of sponsors, fundraisers, appearances, etc. Disseminate e-mail blasts, primarily during the season to communicate team’s performance, as well as off-season. Update database for new e-mail addresses for electronic distribution of information. Update webpage after each home game for article written by travel journalist.

Marketing Assistant
The primary duty of the Marketing Assistant will be to help implement a marketing plan for the organization, working in conjunction with the Danbury Westerners Marketing Committee and the Danbury Westerners Executive Committee.

During the off-season (if available) the Marketing Assistant will support operations for the upcoming season by reviewing and/or designing brochures and promotional matter for the various fundraisers held annually. In addition, the Marketing Assistant will help prepare “Westerners Round-Up”, a quarterly newsletter which provides timely information about the franchise.

Also during the off-season, the Marketing Assistant will work with the Board of Directors to review our comprehensive database of sponsors, supporters and fans and help devise specific marketing plans to target subsets within these groups.

Game Day Promotions is an important component of Danbury Westerners baseball, and the Marketing Assistant is expected to suggest “theme nights” and between-inning contests for our fans, and help implement throughout the season.

Before and during the baseball season, the Marketing Assistant will work with that evening’s Sponsor and not-for-profit honoree to help promote their cause, and garner fan support for the game. Simultaneously, the Marketing Assistant will help coordinate mascot and player appearances at local schools and events. He/she will have direct interaction with the Team Photographer, the Team Mascot “Westy”, and the Social Media Coordinator.

In order to complete these duties, the individual must have strong communication skills (oral and written), be creative, dependable and prepared. The individual must be organized, and will be required to meet with team personnel throughout the season.